I support Kathy Manning and here is why.

First, I am a retired Air Force master sergeant with grave concern about firearm deaths of young African-American males. I have three sons and two grandsons. The FBI statistics for black male homicides in 2016 is staggering. In more detail, the segment of black males between 10 and 34 comprises 2.3 percent percent of the total population. This group represents approximately 66 percent of firearm homicide victims of all young men. I support Kathy Manning because she stands for common sense firearm safety laws.

Second, in 2012 I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The diagnosis was dire. I underwent several rounds of intense chemotherapy. I received 20 radiation treatments and a stem cell transplant. Multiple CT and PET scans, coupled with hospitalizations, cost approximately $500,000. I wasn’t burdened worrying about paying for it. I had health insurance provided by the military. I support Kathy Manning because she stands for affordable healthcare for all Americans.

Finally, I’m 100 percent disabled, because of my cancer. Subsequently, I’ve been hospitalized for shingles and bilateral pneumonia. I rely on Social Security Disability Insurance to assist with my cost of living, coupled with Medicare and Tri-Care for my continued health coverage. I support Kathy Manning because she’s against privatization of the Veterans Administration, Social Security and Medicare.

If you support common sense gun laws, affordable healthcare, protecting the Veterans Administration, Social Security and Medicare, I encourage you vote for Kathy Manning in the May 8 Democratic primary for U.S. House District 13.

— Michael D. Stringer

Cleveland